The Apostle Paul says that he had to learn to be content. If he had to
learn it, how much more do we? We are
not born content nor do we gravitate instinctively toward contentment. This is
a virtue that is learned and developed.
Some people are thermometers in that they merely register what is around them.
If the situation is tight and pressurized, they register tension and
irritability. If it’s stormy, they register worry and fear. If it’s calm,
quiet, and comfortable, they register relaxation and peacefulness.
Others, however, are thermostats. They regulate the atmosphere. They are the mature change-agents who
never let the situation dictate to them. Paul was a thermostat kind of guy. He
was content regardless of his situation.
A lack of contentment causes me to look horizontally—at what others have
so I am never satisfied. Contentment
invites me to look vertically—at God.
When I look in His direction, regardless of my possessions or lack of or
status or lack of, I know He is enough.
The leper on the island of Tobago knew contentment. A short-term
missionary met her on a mission trip. On the final day, he was leading worship
in a leper colony. He asked if anyone had a favorite song. When he did, a woman
turned around, and he saw the most disfigured face he’d ever seen. She had no
ears and no nose. Her lips were gone. But she raised a fingerless hand and
asked, “Could we sing ‘Count Your Many
Blessings’?”
The missionary started the song but couldn’t finish. Someone later
commented, “I suppose you’ll never be able to sing the song again.” He
answered, “No, I’ll sing it again. Just never the same way.”
For the Christian: Contentment knows that if we have Jesus we have
enough.
Scripture to Claim
And my God will
supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
